Oxford’s Local Bar Faces Backlash Over Controversial Promotion
In the charming city of Oxford, where college football reigns supreme, a local bar found itself at the center of a stir recently. The Library, a well-loved spot on the downtown square, decided to roll out a promotion that didn’t sit well with many loyal Ole Miss fans.
All Eyes on The Library
Like many establishments in Oxford, The Library has become a hub for fans on game days, especially during thrilling weekends when the Ole Miss football team brings excitement to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. But two weeks ago, things took an unexpected turn. The bar released a promotional sticker with the slogan “Second half at The Library,” a phrase crafted by a young employee.
However, this catchy tagline clashed with Coach Lane Kiffin’s black-and-white stance regarding fans leaving the game early. The loyal Rebels fans were urged to stick it out until the final whistle, and many were less than pleased when they noticed a substantial drop in attendance at halftime during Ole Miss’ comfortable win against Georgia Southern.
The Manager Takes Action
As complaints began flooding in, particularly on social media, Paul Radigan, a long-time manager at The Library, quickly took matters into his own hands. After an extensive 18 years at the restaurant, he realized that the promotion didn’t align with the bar’s values or the sentiments of Ole Miss fans. “We messed up,” Radigan stated frankly. “It was unfortunate. But we want all Rebels fans to stay at the stadium for all four quarters.”
In a decisive move, Paul grabbed the entire roll of stickers and removed them from circulation. “It’s done,” he firmly declared, signaling that the promotion had reached its end.
A Note From the Ole Miss Community
Interestingly enough, while Coach Kiffin himself didn’t respond, an Ole Miss university representative did reach out to the bar, clearly emphasizing the importance of fan loyalty during games. As a dedicated Ole Miss supporter himself, Radigan holds the team in high regard and understands the passion behind the program.
The Library is adorned with memorabilia that proudly showcases its commitment to the Ole Miss community. A large decal celebrating a hundred years of Ole Miss football covers one wall, alongside a representation of the former school mascot Colonel Reb. An SEC pinwheel logo adds a sense of school spirit, along with a statue of legendary coach Johnny Vaught welcoming guests at the entrance.
Support from the Regulars
Local patrons, like Robert Patterson, spoke up about their connectedness to The Library. “I’m a die-hard fan for sure, just like many others that come through the door,” Patterson shared. While he missed the tumultuous promotion moment, it was clear he had heard all about the uproar. He emphasized that he did not believe The Library intended to drive fans away from games. “I think it was just an idea that sounded great, but nobody thought about the impact it may have on the football program,” he added.
Looking Ahead for Ole Miss Football
As Ole Miss continues into SEC play, the dynamics at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium might see a shift in attendance habits. The stadium was notably packed during their nail-biting 20-17 loss to Kentucky recently, and linebacker Chris Paul acknowledged how much the supportive crowd meant to the team. “This shows how much support they have for this program,” he said, referencing the fans sticking by them through both highs and lows this season.
With hopes of bouncing back in their upcoming match against South Carolina, the Ole Miss team is ready to hit the field and make their devoted supporters proud. No matter how lively or challenging game days may get, one thing is clear: pride in Ole Miss and its spirited community remains unshakable.
